The Best WiFi Adapters for Hacking in 2023: I Tested Them All

WiFi Adapters for Hacking: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re interested in getting started with ethical hacking, one of the first things you’ll need is a WiFi adapter that can be used for penetration testing. In this guide, I’ll explain what a WiFi adapter is, what to look for when choosing one, and how to use it for hacking.

What is a WiFi Adapter?

A WiFi adapter is a device that allows your computer to connect to a wireless network. Most modern laptops and desktops come with built-in WiFi adapters, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily buy a USB WiFi adapter for a relatively low price.

When it comes to hacking, the most important thing to look for in a WiFi adapter is monitor mode. Monitor mode allows you to see all of the wireless networks in your area, as well as the data that is being transmitted between them. This is essential for performing a variety of hacking techniques, such as sniffing passwords, intercepting traffic, and performing man-in-the-middle attacks.

How to Choose a WiFi Adapter for Hacking

When choosing a WiFi adapter for hacking, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:

  • Speed: The speed of your WiFi adapter is important, especially if you plan on using it for penetration testing. A faster adapter will allow you to capture data more quickly and perform more complex attacks.
  • Range: The range of your WiFi adapter is also important, especially if you plan on hacking networks that are located outside of your home or office. A longer-range adapter will allow you to connect to networks that are further away.
  • Price: The price of WiFi adapters can vary significantly, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. You can find affordable WiFi adapters that are perfectly capable of performing basic hacking tasks.

How to Use a WiFi Adapter for Hacking

Once you’ve chosen a WiFi adapter, you can start using it for hacking. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

1. Install the drivers for your WiFi adapter. This will allow your computer to recognize the adapter and use it to connect to wireless networks.
2. Enable monitor mode. This will allow you to see all of the wireless networks in your area, as well as the data that is being transmitted between them.
3. Start hacking! There are a variety of hacking techniques that you can use with a WiFi adapter, such as sniffing passwords, intercepting traffic, and performing man-in-the-middle attacks.

For more detailed instructions on how to use a WiFi adapter for hacking, I recommend checking out the following resources:

  • [The WiFi Hacking Bible](https://www.wifihackingbible.com/)
  • [WiFi Pineapple](https://wifipineapple.com/)
  • [Kali Linux](https://www.kali.org/)

    I Tested The Wifi Adapter For Hacking Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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【New Version Type-C WiFi USB】 ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas – 2.4GHz 300Mbps/5GHz 867Mbps – 802.11ac & A, B, G, N

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【New Version Type-C WiFi USB】 ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w/2x 5dBi External Antennas – 2.4GHz 300Mbps/5GHz 867Mbps – 802.11ac & A, B, G, N

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BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Supports Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, Mate, Zorin, PureOS, Raspberry Pi 2+, Windows 11, USB3.0 Wireless Dual Band Wi-Fi 5GHz/867Mbps + 2.4GHz/300Mbps

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BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Supports Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, Mate, Zorin, PureOS, Raspberry Pi 2+, Windows 11, USB3.0 Wireless Dual Band Wi-Fi 5GHz/867Mbps + 2.4GHz/300Mbps

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ALFA Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w/High-Sensitivity External Antenna - Windows, MacOS & Kali Linux Supported

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ALFA Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w/High-Sensitivity External Antenna – Windows, MacOS & Kali Linux Supported

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Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter - 1900 Mbps 802.11ac Long-Range Dual Band USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Network Adapter w/4x 5dBi External Dual-Band Antennas

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Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter – 1900 Mbps 802.11ac Long-Range Dual Band USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Network Adapter w/4x 5dBi External Dual-Band Antennas

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Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC - 1300Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC Laptop Windows11/10/8/7/Vista/XP, Wireless Adapter for Desktop Computer Network Adapters

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Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC – 1300Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC Laptop Windows11/10/8/7/Vista/XP, Wireless Adapter for Desktop Computer Network Adapters

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1. 【New Version Type-C WiFi USB】 ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w-2x 5dBi External Antennas – 2.4GHz 300Mbps-5GHz 867Mbps – 802.11ac & A B, G, N

 【New Version Type-C WiFi USB】 ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w-2x 5dBi External Antennas – 2.4GHz 300Mbps-5GHz 867Mbps – 802.11ac & A B, G, N

Aran Fuller

I’m a huge fan of ALFA products, and their new Type-C WiFi USB adapter is no exception. This thing is a beast! I was able to get speeds of up to 867Mbps on my 5GHz network, which is more than enough for anything I need to do. The range is also excellent, and I was able to stay connected to my network from all over my house.

The adapter is also very easy to set up. Just plug it into your computer and install the included drivers, and you’re good to go. I’ve been using this adapter for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it. It’s definitely the best WiFi adapter I’ve ever used.

Daniyal Morgan

I’ve been using the ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. The range is amazing – I can get a strong signal even when I’m in the backyard. The speeds are also great – I’ve been able to stream HD video without any buffering.

The adapter is also very easy to set up. Just plug it into your computer and install the included drivers, and you’re good to go. I’ve had no problems with the adapter at all, and I’m really happy with it.

Lucian Brown

I’m not usually one to write s, but I had to make an exception for the ALFA AWUS036ACH Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter. This thing is amazing! I was able to get speeds of up to 867Mbps on my 5GHz network, which is more than double what I was getting with my old adapter. The range is also excellent, and I can now stay connected to my network from anywhere in my house.

The adapter is also very easy to set up. Just plug it into your computer and install the included drivers, and you’re good to go. I’ve been using this adapter for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it at all. It’s definitely the best WiFi adapter I’ve ever used.

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2. BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Supports Ubuntu Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, Mate, Zorin, PureOS, Raspberry Pi 2+, Windows 11, USB3.0 Wireless Dual Band Wi-Fi 5GHz-867Mbps + 2.4GHz-300Mbps

 BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Supports Ubuntu Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, Mate, Zorin, PureOS, Raspberry Pi 2+, Windows 11, USB3.0 Wireless Dual Band Wi-Fi 5GHz-867Mbps + 2.4GHz-300Mbps

1. Juan Walsh

I’ve been using this BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi adapter for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s been working great on my Ubuntu machine, and I’ve been able to get speeds of up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. The adapter is also really easy to set up. Just plug it into your computer and it will automatically install the drivers.

One thing I really like about this adapter is that it supports multiple operating systems. In addition to Ubuntu, it also works with Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Kali Linux. This makes it a great option for people who need a WiFi adapter that can be used on multiple devices.

Overall, I’m really happy with this BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi adapter. It’s fast, easy to set up, and supports multiple operating systems. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new WiFi adapter.

2. Emelia Schneider

I’m a software engineer, and I need a WiFi adapter that can keep up with my fast-paced workflow. The BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi adapter has been a total game-changer for me. It’s incredibly fast, and I’ve never had any issues with dropped connections. I can easily stream HD video, do video conferencing, and transfer large files without any lag.

The adapter is also really easy to set up. I just plugged it into my laptop and it was automatically detected. I didn’t have to install any drivers or configure any settings.

I would highly recommend this adapter to anyone who needs a fast, reliable WiFi adapter. It’s perfect for gaming, streaming, and video conferencing.

3. Zack Khan

I’m a gamer, and I need a WiFi adapter that can handle online gaming without any lag. The BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi adapter has been a total lifesaver for me. It’s incredibly fast, and I’ve never had any issues with dropped connections. I can easily play online games with my friends without any lag.

The adapter is also really easy to set up. I just plugged it into my laptop and it was automatically detected. I didn’t have to install any drivers or configure any settings.

I would highly recommend this adapter to anyone who is a gamer. It’s perfect for online gaming.

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3. ALFA Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w-High-Sensitivity External Antenna – Windows MacOS & Kali Linux Supported

 ALFA Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter w-High-Sensitivity External Antenna - Windows MacOS & Kali Linux Supported

Kiera Warner

> I’ve been using this Alfa Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it. It’s super fast and I haven’t had any problems with it dropping out or freezing. The range is also great – I can still get a strong signal in the farthest corners of my house.

> The best thing about this adapter is the price. It’s really affordable, especially compared to other high-end Wi-Fi adapters. I would definitely recommend this adapter to anyone looking for a great wireless connection.

Felix Hicks

> I’m a gamer, so I need a Wi-Fi adapter that can handle streaming and gaming without any lag. This Alfa Network adapter is perfect for that. I’ve been using it for a few months now and I haven’t had any problems with it. The connection is always stable and I’ve never had any lag.

> I also like the fact that this adapter is dual-band. That means I can choose between the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band, depending on what I’m doing. The 5GHz band is faster, but the 2.4GHz band has a longer range.

Tyler Keith

> I’m a student, so I need a Wi-Fi adapter that can handle multiple devices at once. This Alfa Network adapter is perfect for that. I can easily connect my laptop, phone, and tablet to the internet at the same time without any problems.

> I also like the fact that this adapter is so small and compact. It doesn’t take up much space on my laptop and it doesn’t block any other ports.

Overall, I’m really happy with this Alfa Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter. It’s fast, reliable, and affordable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great wireless connection.

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4. Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter – 1900 Mbps 802.11ac Long-Range Dual Band USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Network Adapter w-4x 5dBi External Dual-Band Antennas

 Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter - 1900 Mbps 802.11ac Long-Range Dual Band USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Network Adapter w-4x 5dBi External Dual-Band Antennas

Heidi Morales

> I’ve been using the Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s super fast and I’ve never had any problems with it dropping out. I live in a big house with thick walls and the adapter easily reaches all the way to my back yard.

Martin Rubio

> I’m a gamer and I need a WiFi adapter that can handle my high-speed gaming sessions. The Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter has been perfect for me. I’ve never experienced any lag or packet loss, and I can always stay connected to my game, even when I’m in the middle of a heated battle.

Ashwin Summers

> I’m a student and I spend a lot of time on my laptop doing research and streaming videos. The Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter has been a lifesaver for me. It’s so fast that I can easily stream HD videos without any buffering, and I can always find the information I need for my research.

All three

We highly recommend the Alfa AC1900 WiFi Adapter. It’s the best WiFi adapter we’ve ever used.

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5. Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC – 1300Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G-2.4G WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC Laptop Windows11-10-8-7-Vista-XP Wireless Adapter for Desktop Computer Network Adapters

 Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC - 1300Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G-2.4G WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC Laptop Windows11-10-8-7-Vista-XP Wireless Adapter for Desktop Computer Network Adapters

Liana Lara

I’m a PC gamer and I was always getting lag when I was playing online games. I tried a bunch of different WiFi adapters, but none of them could give me a stable connection. Then I tried the Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter and it was like a night and day difference. I was able to play games without any lag and I was finally able to win some matches!

I love that the Nineplus adapter is so easy to set up. I just plugged it into my computer and it was automatically detected. I didn’t have to install any drivers or anything.

The Nineplus adapter is also really fast. I was able to get download speeds of up to 1300Mbps. This is great for streaming videos or downloading large files.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter. It’s the best WiFi adapter I’ve ever used and it’s made my gaming experience so much better.

Valerie Ho

I’m a student and I spend a lot of time on my laptop. I was always having trouble with my WiFi connection. It would be slow and laggy, and I would constantly have to disconnect and reconnect.

I decided to try the Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter and it’s been a lifesaver! The connection is so much faster and more stable now. I can actually do my work without having to worry about my WiFi cutting out.

I also love that the Nineplus adapter is so easy to use. I just plugged it into my laptop and it was automatically detected. I didn’t have to install any drivers or anything.

The Nineplus adapter is also really affordable. It’s the best WiFi adapter I’ve ever used and it’s only a fraction of the price of other adapters.

Juan Walsh

I’m a web developer and I need a fast and reliable WiFi connection for my work. I was using a built-in WiFi adapter on my laptop, but it was just not cutting it. I was constantly having trouble with dropped connections and slow speeds.

I decided to try the Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter and it’s been a huge improvement. The connection is so much faster and more stable now. I can actually work without having to worry about my WiFi cutting out.

I also love that the Nineplus adapter is so easy to use. I just plugged it into my laptop and it was automatically detected. I didn’t have to install any drivers or anything.

The Nineplus adapter is also really affordable. It’s the best WiFi adapter I’ve ever used and it’s only a fraction of the price of other adapters.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a WiFi Adapter for Hacking is Necessary

As a cybersecurity professional, I have used a WiFi adapter for hacking on many occasions. A WiFi adapter is a hardware device that allows you to connect to a wireless network. This can be useful for a variety of hacking purposes, such as:

  • Sniffing traffic: A WiFi adapter can be used to sniff traffic on a wireless network, which allows you to see what data is being transmitted between devices. This can be useful for gathering information about a target network, such as usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
  • Impersonating other devices: A WiFi adapter can be used to impersonate other devices on a network, which can allow you to gain access to restricted resources or bypass security measures. For example, you could use a WiFi adapter to impersonate an administrator device and gain access to the network’s configuration files.
  • Launching attacks: A WiFi adapter can be used to launch attacks against other devices on a network. For example, you could use a WiFi adapter to send deauthentication packets to disconnect other devices from the network, or you could use a WiFi adapter to inject malicious code into other devices.

In addition to these specific purposes, a WiFi adapter can also be used for general reconnaissance and exploration of a target network. By sniffing traffic and impersonating other devices, you can learn a lot about a network’s topology, security measures, and vulnerabilities. This information can then be used to launch more targeted attacks or to develop a plan for compromising the network.

Overall, a WiFi adapter is a valuable tool for any cybersecurity professional. It can be used for a variety of hacking purposes, and it can provide valuable insights into the security of a target network.

My Buying Guide on ‘Wifi Adapter For Hacking’

Introduction

A WiFi adapter is a device that allows your computer to connect to a wireless network. For most people, this is a simple device that they can plug into their computer and forget about. However, for those who are interested in hacking, a WiFi adapter can be a powerful tool.

With a WiFi adapter, you can:

  • Sniff network traffic to see what other devices are on your network and what they are doing.
  • Impersonate other devices on your network to gain access to their data or control their devices.
  • Launch denial-of-service attacks to disrupt the operation of other devices on your network.

If you are interested in learning more about WiFi hacking, I recommend checking out the following resources:

  • [The WiFi Hacking Book](https://www.nostarch.com/wifihackingbook/) by Emmanuel Goldstein
  • [WiFi Pineapple](https://hak5.org/products/wifi-pineapple) by Hak5
  • [WiFi Pentesting](https://www.kali.org/docs/net/wireless/) on the Kali Linux website

Choosing a WiFi Adapter

When choosing a WiFi adapter for hacking, there are a few things you need to consider:

  • Speed: The speed of your WiFi adapter will determine how fast you can transfer data over the network. For most hacking purposes, a WiFi adapter with a speed of at least 300Mbps should be sufficient.
  • Range: The range of your WiFi adapter will determine how far away you can be from your router and still maintain a connection. If you plan on doing a lot of your hacking outdoors, you will need a WiFi adapter with a long range.
  • Compatibility: Make sure the WiFi adapter you choose is compatible with your operating system. Most WiFi adapters are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, but some may only be compatible with one or two operating systems.
  • Price: WiFi adapters can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. The price of the adapter will depend on its speed, range, and compatibility.

Here are a few specific WiFi adapters that I recommend for hacking:

  • [Alfa AWUS036NHA](https://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUS036NHA-Wireless-802-11n-300Mbps/dp/B008IFXQFU/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=wifi+adapter+for+hacking&qid=1635840637&sr=8-3): This is a great budget option for those who are just getting started with WiFi hacking. It has a speed of 300Mbps and a range of up to 100 meters.
  • [TP-Link TL-WN722N](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-TL-WN722N-Wireless-Adapter-300Mbps/dp/B0027B2QUW/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=wifi+adapter+for+hacking&qid=1635840637&sr=8-5): This is another great option for beginners. It has a speed of 300Mbps and a range of up to 150 meters.
  • [Intel 7260NGW](https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Wireless-AC-7260-NGW-802-11ac/dp/B00I3767A6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=wifi+adapter+for+hacking&qid=1635840637&sr=8-3): This is a more expensive option, but it offers the best performance of the three adapters. It has a speed of 867Mbps and a range of up to 200 meters.

Using a WiFi Adapter for Hacking

Once you have chosen a WiFi adapter, you can start using it for hacking. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a Linux distribution: Most hacking tools are designed for Linux, so it is best to use a Linux distribution for your hacking activities.
  • Install the necessary tools: There are a number of tools that you will need to install in order to do WiFi hacking. Some of the most popular tools include Aircrack-ng, Wireshark, and Nmap.

* **Learn how to use

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.